First hand knowledge

The visit to Chipo and Chabota's household - about 2 hours from here, in the bush, but not far from Macha was very satisfying!

These twins, now 21 months are doing very fine. They are cared for by a loving family, which here in Zambia means also a loving extended family.

The twin's mom had died shortly after childbirth and the maternal aunty (Gertrude)'s husband had also died around the same time. So...the two of them are now married, "according to traditional" ways and these babies are well cared for. 4 year old brother, Givus is happy to have these sweet girls home! They were dressed in their finest for the visit.

And they cried most of the visit time b/c they were wakened so they could see us - sorry, wee ones!

Lydia, also in the photo, is the older sister to Gertrude. She lives nearby and is also active in the children's life.

Financially, this family has very little, being a $2.00 a day" family. But....as a team they will provide security and a strong foundaion for their children and they have some good resources nearby.  Clean water, probably the best health service in southern province, nearby schools, supportive churches....They will be okay. They will have a strong foundation to build on.

Home visits give us first hand knowledge of a few things:
Families in extreme poverty can and want to care for their kids, extreme poverty is painful - but many have much resilience and fortitude. The government incapabilites are hugely evident as you travel further into the bush.......

We always end our visits in prayer - for the family and for the children.....Do they have needs? many - one is full time work for dad. He only has "piece work" as a bricklayer. Why not add this family to your prayer list?

Have you ordered "Helping without hurting" yet?